1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Material basis and action mechanism of drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Siyuan LI ; Yuru WANG ; Ye XU ; Di GUO ; Nan NAN ; Yang LIU ; Jie ZHAO ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4029-4037
BACKGROUND:Our previous study found that Modified Erxian Pill could alleviate inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats,but its mechanism needs to be further verified. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill,and observe the effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages. METHODS:(1)Analysis of components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill:Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect and identify Modified Erxian Pill and its components absorbed in the blood.(2)Effect of the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill on pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages:Molecular docking technology was used to initially verify the sesquiterpenoids and NLRP3 in components absorbed in the blood of Modified Erxian Pill.J774A.1 macrophages were randomly divided into blank control group,lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,and lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill with low(2.5%),medium(5%),and high(10%)dose groups.The release of lactate dehydrogenase in the cell supernatant of each group was detected according to the kit instructions.The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 in cell supernatant were detected in each group by ELISA.The cell membrane damage was detected by Hoechst/PI staining.The expression levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein in the cells of each group were detected by western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 32 active components of Modified Erxian Pill were identified,and 21 components entered the blood.The main components into blood included a variety of sesquiterpenoids.(2)Molecular docking results showed that 3-O-Acetyl-13-deoxyphomenone,Incensol oxide,Atractylenolide III,Rupestonic acid,and 3,7-Dihydroxy-9,11-eremophiladien-8-one had good binding activity with NLRP3.(3)Compared with the blank control group,lactate dehydrogenase activity and the expression levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased in cell supernatant of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.001).Hoechst/PI staining showed that the number of PI-positive cells was significantly increased.After the intervention of lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group,all of them showed different degrees of reduction.(4)Compared with the blank control group,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N protein expression levels were significantly increased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group(P<0.05).Compared with lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and GSDMD-N were significantly decreased in the lipopolysaccharide+adenosine triphosphate+Modified Erxian Pill group(P<0.05),and had a certain dose dependence.These findings verify that the drug-containing serum of Modified Erxian Pill may inhibit the pyroptosis of J774A.1 macrophages by regulating the NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
3.An Amphibians-Derived Protein Provides Novel Biotherapeutics for Various Wounds Treatment
Hao-Ran CHEN ; Nan ZHOU ; Yu-Da LIU ; Li-Hua PENG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):399-407
Acute burns and chronic wounds frequently fail to heal owing to various reasons. Most drugs currently used for wound therapy in clinical practice have notable drawbacks, making their application a substantial concern. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs can exert multisystem toxicity, and cellular therapies are costly and difficult to retain. In recent years, natural functional proteins derived from animals and plants have gained increasing attention owing to their unique biological activities, low cost, and broad application prospects in wound therapy. Herein, we isolated a new protein (JH015Y) from amphibians and demonstrated its excellent wound repair and regeneration properties compared with those of epidermal growth factor, both in vitro and in vivo. JH015 protein increased the proliferative ability of human keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts by 47.73 and 41.40%, respectively. In vivo, the medium-dose (0.5 mg/dose) groups of JH015Y protein demonstrated accelerated wound healing from day 4, with wound healing rates 1.26, 1.27, and 1.14 times that of the blank group in acute wounds, burn wounds, and diabetic ulcer, respectively. Histological analysis of Masson-stained sections indicated that the JH015Y protein contributed to collagen deposition on the wound surface, markedly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and exhibited low biological toxicity. Accordingly, the JH015Y protein is a promising biotherapeutic agent for accelerated wound repair and regeneration.
4.Associations between statins and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among peritoneal dialysis patients: A multi-center large-scale cohort study.
Shuang GAO ; Lei NAN ; Xinqiu LI ; Shaomei LI ; Huaying PEI ; Jinghong ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Zibo XIONG ; Yumei LIAO ; Ying LI ; Qiongzhen LIN ; Wenbo HU ; Yulin LI ; Liping DUAN ; Zhaoxia ZHENG ; Gang FU ; Shanshan GUO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Rui YU ; Fuyun SUN ; Xiaoying MA ; Li HAO ; Guiling LIU ; Zhanzheng ZHAO ; Jing XIAO ; Yulan SHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xuanyi DU ; Tianrong JI ; Yingli YUE ; Shanshan CHEN ; Zhigang MA ; Yingping LI ; Li ZUO ; Huiping ZHAO ; Xianchao ZHANG ; Xuejian WANG ; Yirong LIU ; Xinying GAO ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Hongyi LI ; Shutong DU ; Cui ZHAO ; Zhonggao XU ; Li ZHANG ; Hongyu CHEN ; Li LI ; Lihua WANG ; Yan YAN ; Yingchun MA ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Caili WANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2856-2858
5.Preparation,characterization and tissue distribution of polyethylene glycol-modified Curcumin solid lipid nanoparticle inhalable micropowder
Nan LI ; Zi WANG ; Di HAO ; Lingyu KONG ; Xu LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2387-2392
OBJECTIVE To prepare polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified flower lactose (FL) loaded Curcumin (Cur) solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) inhalable micropowder (referred to as “PEG-Cur-FL”). METHODS PEG-Cur-FL was prepared by the solvent emulsification diffusion low-temperature solidification method, and its encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, powder properties, aerodynamic particle size, in vitro deposition properties, and in vitro release characteristics were characterized. The mice were divided into Cur-SLN-FL (unmodified with PEG) group and PEG-Cur-FL group, with 55 mice in each group. Both groups of mice were given a single inhalation of 5 mg/kg (calculated as Cur) of the corresponding drug micropowder through an air tube. At 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after administration, eyeballs were removed to collect blood and tracheal, lung, liver and kidney tissues were separated. The mass concentration of Cur in mouse plasma and various tissue samples was measured, and the tissue distribution and retention of the drug were analyzed. RESULTS The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity of PEG-Cur-FL were (86.2±1.8)% and (4.2±0.2)%, respectively; the bulk density and tap density were (0.24±0.01) g/cm3 and (0.30±0.01) g/cm3, respectively; the aerodynamic particle size was (2.74±0.64) μm; the in vitro effective site deposition rate (secondary drug deposition rate) was (45.07±2.79)%. Compared with Cur raw materials, Cur-SLN- FL and PEG-Cur-FL had sustained release effects under both leakage and non-leakage conditions, and PEG-Cur-FL had a smoother sustained release in artificial lung fluid, with release characteristics consistent with the Weibull model. The results of in vivo distribution showed that the drug concentration in the lung tissue of PEG-Cur-FL group was significantly lower than that of Cur- SLN-FL group during the same period after 1 hour of administration, while the drug concentration in the lung tissue at 4 to 48 hours was significantly higher than that of Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05); the plasma drug concentrations of the PEG-Cur-FL group at all time points from 0.25 to 12 hours were significantly lower than those of the Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05), and the drug concentrations in liver and kidney tissues were also lower than those of the Cur-SLN-FL group during the same period (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PEG-Cur-FL is prepared successfully; the inhalable micropowder has good inhalability and release performance; after administration through the trachea, the effective concentration of Cur in lung tissue can be increased, while reducing its plasma drug concentration and drug distribution concentration in non-target organs.
6.Drug resistance of multidrug-resistant organism in hospitalized children at a children's hospital in Hebei Province
SUN Ling ; LIU Yuanqing ; LIU Xinguang ; ZHANG Nan ; WEN Chan ; HAO Jianzong ; LI Mei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):616-621
Objective:
To analyze the drug resistance of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) among hospitalized children in a children's hospital in Hebei Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the basis for the rational clinical application of antibacterial drugs.
Methods:
Specimens including sputum, blood, urine, pus, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, secretions, pleural fluid, and peritoneal fluid of hospitalized children from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected. Pathogen identification and drug susceptibility tests were performed on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBLs-EC), extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBLs-KP), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) and carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC). The department distribution, specimen distribution, and drug resistance of MDROs were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 279 086 samples were submitted for testing, with 3 512 MDROs detected. Among these, MRSA and ESBLs-EC had relatively high detection rates of 35.76% and 41.50%, respectively. In the internal medicine pediatric patients, 1 869 MDROs were detected, accounting for 53.22%. The main departments were respiratory medicine, neonatology, and intensive care. In the surgical department, 1 643 MDROs were detected, accounting for 46.78%, with the main sources being general surgery and cardiac surgery. The highest numbers of MDROs were detected in sputum, pus, and urine samples, with 1 372, 527, and 494 isolates, representing 39.07%, 15.01%, and 14.07%, respectively. The resistance rates of MRSA to penicillin, oxacillin, and erythromycin were between 81.76% and 100.00%. ESBLs-EC and ESBLs-KP had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ceftriaxone. CRKP had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ampicillin/sulbactam and imipenem. CRAB had a resistance rate of 100.00% to cefoxitin, imipenem, and meropenem. CRPA had a resistance rate of 100.00% to ampicillin/sulbactam, ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, and imipenem. CREC had a resistance rate of 100.00% to imipenem.
Conclusions
In a children's hospital in Hebei Province, infections with MDROs among hospitalized pediatric patients are primarily caused by MRSA and ESBLs-EC. These infections are mainly distributed in the departments of respiratory medicine, neonatology, intensive care, general surgery, and cardiac surgery, with the highest detection rates in sputum, pus, and urine samples. Additionally, MRSA, ESBLs-EC, ESBLs-KP, CRKP, CRAB, CRPA, and CREC show high resistance rate to most antimicrobial agents.
7.Bone cement injection during percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body
Tangbo LI ; Nan ZHANG ; Guobing HAO ; Kun LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Zexing ZHU ; Diyu SONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):5977-5984
BACKGROUND:Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty has the advantages of minimal trauma and bone cement dispersion,but whether it is safe and effective for the treatment of compression fractures in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body needs further study.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical efficacy of percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of the upper 1/3 compression fractures of the osteoporotic vertebrae.METHODS:Medical records of 66 patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar upper 1/3 compression fracture admitted to Department of Orthopedics of PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center from January 2020 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,32 cases were treated with percutaneous curved vertebroplasty(observation group)and 34 cases were treated with"noncoplanar bipedicular puncture"percutaneous vertebroplasty(control group).Pain visual analog scale score,Oswestry Disability Index,anterior edge height of injured vertebra,and Cobb angle of injured vertebra were compared and analyzed between the two groups before surgery,the first day after surgery,and the last follow-up.The operative time,bone cement leakage rate,bone cement injection volume,and bone cement dispersion score of the two groups were statistically analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operations were successfully completed in both groups of patients,and no complications such as bone cement allergy,bone cement embolism,nerve damage,or epidural hematoma occurred.(2)Pain visual analog scale score,Oswestry disability index,anterior edge height,and Cobb angle of injured vertebra of the two groups at the first day after surgery and the last follow-up were all better than those before surgery,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05),but there was no statistical significance between the two groups(P>0.05).The Oswestry disability index of the two groups at the last follow-up was better than that on the first day after surgery(P<0.05).(3)The operation time and bone cement leakage rate of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)There were no significant differences in bone cement injection volume and bone cement dispersion score between the two groups(P>0.05).(5)The results show that percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebrae compression fractures in the upper 1/3 of the vertebral body can effectively relieve pain,maintain vertebral height,and reduce operative time and bone cement leakage rate.
8.Proposal for the Guidelines on Off-label Use of Common Psychiatric Medications in China
Yulan XIONG ; Nan LI ; Yujia QIU ; Tianmei SI ; Wei HAO
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(10):736-741
Off-label drug use in psychiatry has long been prevelent, with common clinical practices lacking standardized guidance and associated risks warranting close attention. To address the practical needs of frontline clinicians, the Mental Health Branch of the China National Narcotic Drugs Association, in collaboration with multiple institutions, has launched a project to formulate the Guidelines on Off-label Use of Common Psychiatric Medications in China ("Guideline"). The Guidelines focuses on evaluating evidence and formulating recommendations regarding off-label use scenarios of common psychiatric medications, including indications, dosage, administration, and specific populations. It employs standard methodological frameworks, notably the GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Evidence to Decision frameworks for adoption, adaptation, and de?novo development of recommendations), to ensure both scientific rigor and practical applicability. This proposal systematically outlines the background, objectives, processes, organizational structure, and methodologies of the Guideline, aiming to provide psychiatrists with practical and evidence-based prescribing recommendations.
9.Research progress in laboratory artificial breeding technologies for ticks
Xiao-nan DONG ; Lian-yang SUN ; Hao CUI ; Jia-mei KANG ; Yu-lin DING ; Yong-hong LIU ; Li ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(1):67-74
As the world's second largest vector of pathogens,ticks can spread a variety of pathogens by sucking the host's blood.Ticks not only threaten human life and health,but also cause great economic losses in animal husbandry.Artificial breeding of ticks can provide a stable environment for the growth and reproduction of ticks,thereby generating sufficient exper-imental materials for understanding ticks'biological characteristics,studying tick-borne pathogens,and developing anti-tick drugs and vaccines.Current methods of breeding ticks in the laboratory can be roughly divided into two categories:breeding methods using host animals or artificial membranes.The selection of breeding method must be comprehensively considered,ac-cording to tick types,blood-sucking habits,living environments,and other aspects.The development processes of the two methods,and their respective advantages and disadvantages,are described and discussed,to assist laboratories in artificial breeding of ticks.
10.Analysis of the viral molecular characteristics in a dengue fever outbreak in Jiangsu province in 2023
Yuanfang QIN ; Nan ZHANG ; Qian ZHEN ; Zhifeng LI ; Hao JU ; Liguo ZHU ; Jianguang FU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):81-85
Objective:To analyze the molecular characteristics of the virus in a local outbreak of dengue fever in Jiangsu province in 2023, and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of the outbreak.Methods:Serum samples were collected from suspected dengue patients in the acute phase of the outbreak for virus detection and serotyping by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Positive specimens were amplified with full-length genomic fragments and subjected to second-generation sequencing and related evolutionary analyses.Results:Four confirmed cases of dengue were found in Changzhou city, Jiangsu province, from October 18 to 21, 2023, with epidemiological association between the cases, which was recognized as a dengue outbreak. The serum RT-qPCR result of the four cases were all dengue type 1, and the whole genome sequences of three of the cases were obtained. The evolutionary tree of the E gene and the whole genome showed that the three sequences were located in the 3rd branch of the 1-I genotype, which is similar to the genotype 1-I. The genome-wide sequences of the E gene and the genome-wide evolution tree showed that the three sequences were located in the 3rd branch of the 1-I genotype, which is similar to the genome-wide genotype 1-Ⅰ. The E gene and the genome-wide evolutionary tree showed that all three sequences were located on branch 3 of genotype 1-Ⅰ, with high sequence similarity to the dengue virus epidemic strains in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces in 2023. Amino acid variant site analysis showed that there were 16 branch-specific amino acid site changes in the sequences of the three cases, among which the structural proteins, C protein and prM protein, had one variant site each, E protein had two, and the non-structural proteins had the largest number of NS5 variant sites (9).Conclusions:The local outbreak in Jiangsu was caused by dengue fever type 1 virus, with high nucleotide sequence similarity to strains from other regions of China, and amino acid site alterations.


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